Any time the former Rutgers defensive lineman returns to High Point Solutions Stadium it’s an emotional, moving moment. But this time will be special, with Rutgers making his No. 52 jersey – part of the “Believe” rallying cry the school has adopted – the first retired number in program history during a halftime ceremony. Coach Kyle Flood has even promised a “surprise” for LeGrand and his family. How much it affects the current players remains to be seen, but for those in the stands it will no doubt be a memorable occasion. It’s everything college sports should be about.

Ground and Pound, Part 2

Coming off a rushing performance (273 yards) that was the school’s best showing since the 2008 International Bowl, Rutgers has a chance to exceed that total today – and figures to try to do just that. Not only are the Scarlet Knights averaging more yards on the ground after two games (234) than any year since the program became a bowl regular in 2005, they’re facing one of the nation’s worst run defenses. Eastern Michigan is allowing an average of 226.5 rushing yards per game – and an average of 6.1 yards per carry. That should result in plenty of carries for Paul James and Savon Huggins.

The drive to succeed offensively

If there’s a gripe with an offense averaging 44.5 points and 483 yards per game, as Rutgers has done, it’s this: The absence of long, sustained scoring drives is glaring. Against Norfolk last week, four of the five TD drives were 32 yards or less. It wasn’t until the fourth quarter that the unit put together a 13-play, 71-yard drive that resulted in a field goal. Against Fresno State, there were four scoring drives of 47 yards or less. The longest drive that game? An 80-yarder on two plays (thanks to a 69-yard TD pass). This run-heavy offense should have – and needs to have -- more sustained drives.

Special effects

Rutgers’ special teams made another major contribution last week with Quron Pratt’s blocked punt and Nick Marsh’s pinpoint punting after an opener when there were mixed results. But with the three-game stretch coming up – Arkansas, SMU and Louisville, the latter two on the road – the Scarlet Knights are going to need even more from the unit. Can Marsh be consistent? Will the return game perk back up? Is PK Kyle Federico a cause for concern with two missed field goals already (one a potential game winner)? The special teams need to special consistently starting now.